Volkswagen Up Now Available with Automated Manual Gearbox

VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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is now offering a five-speed automated manual gearbox (ASG) on the UpVolkswagen Up! Gen.1Germany, 2011 > present107 versions
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. It offers better emissions and fuel economy than the regular manual. 

The ASG is simply an automated version of the manual gearbox already in the Up. The driver selects Drive, Reverse or Neutral (there is no Park), and the car does everything from there. Volkswagen has programed it to shift at the best points in terms of fuel economy. If drivers choose to, they can change up and down with the gear lever.

The automation systems add just 3kg to the car's total weight. Two actuators control the gate selection and engage or disengage the gears.  A third electric motor is used to control the clutch. 

Volkswagen says that the ASG is more efficient than an automatic with a torque converter but is much cheaper than a comparable DSG transmission. 

The ASG is available on three- and five-door Ups in the Move Up and High Up trim levels but not on BlueMotion Technology versions. Deliveries begin in October but orders are open now. 

The ASG costs £595 extra on Ups in the UK and €325 extra in continental Europe. It is available on either the 60ps or 75ps tunes of the 1.0-liter engine in the Up.